Freetown, 14th January 2026 – The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has hosted a high-level working visit by officials from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s hydrographic capacity and improving maritime safety.
The two-day engagement, held from 12–13 January at Maritime House, Government Wharf, focused on advancing Sierra Leone’s Hydrographic Action Plan (HAP) and exploring pathways for the country’s prospective membership of the IHO.
Welcoming the delegation, SLMA Executive Director Dr. Daniel Kaitibi underscored the importance of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, protecting the marine environment, and supporting port development. He praised UKHO’s longstanding technical support and reaffirmed government’s commitment to joining the IHO, noting that membership would enhance national capacity, improve compliance with international standards, and integrate Sierra Leone more fully into the global maritime safety framework.
Representing the IHO, Dr. John Nyberg stressed the need for coastal states to harness modern hydrographic technologies and strengthen institutional cooperation. He highlighted the value of regional and international collaboration in data management and capacity building, particularly for developing nations.
Deputy Executive Director Mr. Emmanuel B. A. Lansana expressed appreciation to UKHO and IHO for their continued engagement, pledging that SLMA would fully utilise hydrographic survey outputs to improve navigation systems and port operations.
A key highlight of the visit was a technical session of the Seabed Mapping Committee (SMC), established under the HAP. The committee brings together stakeholders including SLMA, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Navy, the National Minerals Agency, the Meteorological Department, the University of Sierra Leone, and other institutions.
During the session, UKHO presented updates to Sierra Leone’s nautical charts based on recent survey data. The team emphasized the importance of collecting hydrographic data that meets IHO standards and sharing it with the Primary Charting Authority to update navigational charts, thereby enhancing safer navigation and marine ecosystem protection.
Mr. Lansana commended the committee’s dedication, urging consistent reporting and coordination to ensure successful implementation of the HAP. He also praised UKHO for its updated charts and ongoing support.
The delegation concluded with a courtesy and technical visit to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, where discussions centered on applying hydrographic data to port operations, navigational safety within port limits, and infrastructure development. Officials highlighted the importance of coordinated planning among maritime institutions to strengthen Sierra Leone’s port systems.
